Last Christmas, I went to Madison Square Garden to watch the Chicago Bulls take on the New York Knicks. After the game, I hopped on the Acela and went to DC as fast as I could. I wanted to get in front of a TV, as soon as possible, to see the Miami Heat take on the Los Angeles Lakers. I expected a big game, but what I got was a blow out. The Heat dominated the Lakers, and I was left disappointed. All I wanted for "basketball Christmas" were victories for the Knicks and the Lakers, but I was only .500.
Well today isn't Christmas, but TNT is giving us a great doubleheader. The Knicks and the Lakers are in action tonight.
Does Bosh intimidate you?
The early game (i.e. 7PM ET) has the Los Angeles Lakers in Miami taking on the Heat. I'm taking a shot and calling it right now. I think the Lakers win tonight. They're on an 8-game win streak, and I think they'll get their 9th win tonight. As a result, I predict that the Heat will lose, increasing their unenviable streak to 6 losses in a row. I want the Lakers and Kobe Bryant to avenge the loss on Christmas Day. Further, I want to see how Chris Bosh tries to prove his value after his absurd statements following Tuesday's loss. **** I won $5 when the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Heat, and I'm ready to go double or nothing with my friend.
The Heat's "2 and a half men" trying to rebound
As for the New York Knicks v Dallas Mavericks game tonight (i.e. 9:30 PM ET), I don't really know who I want to win. I like Amare Stoudemire and Dirk Nowitzki. I still need to see the new-look Knicks live now that Carmelo Anthony is on the roster, but I might just hold off and wait for the playoffs. **** Wow, it felt good to type "Knicks" and "playoffs" in the same sentence sans sarcasm. Ultimately, I'm just hoping for a competitive game.
**** I took the pictures used for this post at the Heat v Wizards game on December 18, 2010.
So Deron Williams is on the ESPN crawl and he says, "I would never force Sloan out of Utah." Well, of course he has to say something... I don't know about you, but I'm going to be firmly planted in front of my TV tonight. Yes, it's going to be a "wild" one. ESPN is offering me more drama and excitement this evening than a night out with my friends can promise. To paraphrase the current catchphrase for the NBA, I'm ready for amazing to happen.
Last night the Los Angeles Lakers spoiled it for the Boston Celtics by defeating the Celtics on a night when Ray Allen made history. Ray Allen surpassed Reggie Miller to become the all-time 3 point leader. The Lakers surged in the 2nd half to defeat the Celtics, so I'm going to guess that Kobe Bryant et al will be tired tonight.
My prediction for the first game of the doubleheader is that the Knicks play big tonight and defeat the Los Angeles Lakers. Last night, I was catching up with a friend and he brought up the fact that tonight will be Phil Jackson's last night coaching the Lakers at Madison Square Garden. Needless to say the game became slightly more intriguing, and I thought about hopping on a train to New York City.
Ultimately, I decided to cool my jets and watch at home. Phil's last game at the Garden... I can't believe it. I'm still hoping Phil pulls a "Brett Favre" and comes back next year. I'm not ready to see the Zen Master go, and with the Lakers playing the way they are ~ I think it's obvious that the team still needs him.
I think after a day of rest and losing the the Los Angeles Clippers (i.e. read "Blakers", as in Blake Griffin's team) that the New York Knicks will deliver a quality performance and win for their fans.
Enough about that.
Late last night, Steve Nash tweeted about the Phoenix Suns getting to .500. After last season, if you would've told me that the Suns were going to be a .500 team this close to the NBA All-Star break, I would've called you a liar. Obviously, I knew that the loss of Amare Stoudemire would be significant. Seriously, though... .500?!?! This is a team that made it to the Western Conference Finals last year.
Regardless tonight's 2nd game of the double headers should be a good one. I predict that the Suns come out blazing and the the Utah Jazz under perform. I'm also very curious to hear if the reception for Deron Williams changes from previous games. I can't feel the pulse in Salt Lake City (i.e. on this side of the country), but I can't imagine that the "Utah Jazz" faithful are thrilled that Jerry Sloan is gone.
The first game is at 8PM. Order your pizza by 7:30 to make sure it's delivered before the opening tip.
Today I went to Madison Square Garden for my first New York Knicks home game. The Knicks were hosting the Chicago Bulls and my seat for the Christmas Day performance was SICK!
I was sitting about 5-6 rows behind the Chicago Bulls bench. Don't get me wrong... When I don't have a horse in the race, I have a tendency to root for the home team. As a girl who adopted the Knicks as her team (i.e. when Patrick Ewing was drafted), I also had reason to root for the Knicks.
Earlier in the week Charles Oakley was named to Paul Silas' Charlotte Bobcats coaching staff, and I received a free pass to not have to go home to Ohio for Christmas. Soooooo, of course I took it as a sign to go to New York for the day and watch the Knicks at home.
I decided to take the train, since Amtrak dropped me right off at Madison Square Garden and I didn't want to risk driving in holiday traffic. The game tipped off at 12 noon and I arrived at The Garden with about 80 minutes to spare before the opening tip. People were arriving early. Before 11AM, when they started to let people in the entrance was packed full of people standing shoulder to shoulder.
As I walked in and went to my seat, I started to take in The Garden. Yeah, the Knicks game was a sellout and you could tell that the Knicks fans were ready to battle. There were a decent amount of Bulls fans in the stands, but they even seemed to be cheering for the Knicks here and there.
Another thing that was strange. The Knicks were wearing green uniforms... Yeah, I get it. It was a decision to make the game appear more festive for the holidays (i.e. green for the Knicks, red for the Bulls). Admittedly, as a "basketball purist" I thought the green was corny.
Today's match-up was a high-flying, physical game and I was excited to see Amare Stoudemire perform with his "new" team. Amare delivered 20 points, 10 boards, and 6 blocked shots. For those of you that think Amare doesn't play defense, he did his best to show you what he could do today. For all of you doubters, that was your Christmas present.
2 of Amare Stoudemire's points
Since I was at the game, I wasn't paying attention to numbers. I had to check the box score, but here are the details. Raymond Felton came up big with 20 points and 12 assists. Danilo Gallinari was not to be ignored, since he hit 75% of his 3 point attempts and finished with 15 points. Wilson Chandler also dropped 15 points and gathered 10 boards. The Knicks were balanced and earned the victory.
The Bulls were without Joakim Noah, but Carlos Boozer and Derrick Rose came up strong. Boozer dropped 26 points and grabbed 19 rebounds. Rose had 25 points and 8 assists. I took another look at Kyle Korver, and I still think he resembles Carrot Top.
Boozer looking light as a feather
The Knicks ended up winning the game and defeating the Bulls with a final score of 103-95.
I can cross Madison Square Garden off of my list. By the way, parents please listen. If you bring your child to a basketball game, please make sure the kid either wants to be there or is old enough to tolerate being there. I was sitting next to a kid who screamed, "I want to go home!" for most of the 3rd quarter. This wasn't pleasant for anyone in earshot, and believe me ~ this kid had a set of lungs!
Thanks to Amare Stoudemire's effort, the "Christmas" party at The Garden was also a "block" party! Enjoy the pictures from the game.
**** Oh and did I mention that David Kahn, President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves was sitting behind me during the game? Maybe it's something. Maybe it's nothing. It is interesting though...
Today I went to New York and took my first trip to Madison Square Garden for a New York Knicks home game. The Chicago Bulls were playing the New York Knicks. **** I've been to The Garden at least twice before. Once for a Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers game and another time for the Big East Semifinals.
As I was leaving the arena today, a man said "Excuse me," and asked to move by me. It took me a few minutes and a few looks but I'm 99.99999999999999% sure it was David Kahn. For those of you that don't know your basketball executives, shame on you. David Kahn is currently the President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
I found myself sitting behind David in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League. Actually now that I think about it, he was siting next to New York Knicks scout, Rodney Heard, that day.
Anyway, maybe it's nothing or maybe it's something, but David was definitely at The Garden today. I don't normally notice other basketball execs hanging out at other arenas (i.e. when their own team isn't in town).
Like I said, maybe it's something or maybe it's nothing ~ but it's definitely interesting enough for me to post.
*** I just downloaded my pics and David Kahn was sitting behind me at the Bulls v Knicks game today. How do I know? I took a pic of myself while sitting in my seat. Random...
**** I saw this poster when I was in Indianapolis for the Baltimore Ravens v Indianapolis Colts AFC Wildcard game, November 16, 2009. Before the Colts game, I went with a friend to watch the New Orleans Hornets play the Indiana Pacers. We only stayed at Conseco Fieldhouse for a short time (i.e. because of the football game). I never knew I'd need this picture, until tonight.
I just finished watching ESPN's 30 for 30 "Winning time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks"...
I was never a Reggie Miller fan, but boy did my all into supporting Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks. "He's never going to win it for you," was what my dad would say about Patrick Ewing and the Knicks. Man, til this day I can hear my dad's voice saying that sentence. He was right, but that's not the point of this post.
The year was 1985...
Originally a Lakers fan, my happiness during the NBA playoffs lived and died with the Knicks in the mid 80s-90s... **** Ever since Georgetown lost to Villanova in 1985, I was a Ewing fan. When Ewing went to the Knicks, I (i.e. my heart and part of my NBA loyalty) went to the Knicks.
As I watched the 30 for 30 episode, I laughed to myself. The relationship between Cheryl and Reggie Miller remind me of me and my brother. As an older sister my brother and I would always compete. I think the fact that we're similar in age forced us to be assertive and put a fire in both of us to succeed. As I watched, I started to chuckle and sent my brother a text. It said, "Watching ESPN 30 for 30. Cheryl and Reggie Miller remind me of you and me. Is it tough to live in my shadow? Hahaha. Just kidding!" Needless to say, my brother has yet to reply.
As I watched the episode, so many memories came flooding back. If you show me a score of 58-70, with the Pacers losing to the Knicks, I know what happens. Reggie is going to start launching 3s. **** As I continued to watch clips of Reggie draining 3s, I started to feel sick.
All the footage from the Knicks and Pacers battles on the court, reminded me of the physicality that used to be part of the game. How could Rik Smits not be considered soft in those days with warriors on the floor that weren't afraid to make contact on their way to the hole?!? I'm not going to lie. Admittedly, watching all the contact, jersey pulling, head butts, etc. has me fired up right now.
1995, 8 points in 9 seconds... With 18.7 seconds left ~ Reggie wanted a quick 3 and everyone knows it. The Pacers were down 99-105. It was Reggie's time. Reggie shot and drained a 3. On the inbounds play, Reggie stole the ball, went behind the arc, and launched ANOTHER 3. 105-105. TIED GAME. John Starks was at the line with a chance to give the Knicks the lead. John Starks at the line: Clang 1. Starks shoots the 2nd: Clang X2... Did you hear "clangs 1 and 2"? Everyone who loved basketball did.
Next thing you knew Reggie Miller was fouled and made both of his free throw. The Pacers won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semis with a score of 107-105. GAME OVER. "John Starks choked," was the quote I heard from Reggie. To be honest, he was right. I was never a fan of John Starks either. He was way too streaky for me.
Knicks found themselves down 3-1 in the series, but would win Game 5 (i.e. thanks to Ewing and the refs for not calling traveling). and Game 6. Game 7 would be at Madison Square Garden, and the winner would face Orlando for the Eastern Conference Finals.
With 5 seconds left. The Knicks were down 95-97. Everyone knew the ball was going to Ewing. Ron Harper inbounded the ball to Ewing. Ewing turned at the top of the key (i.e. everyone including the big man expected contact). Instead of going strong to the hoops and even dunking, Ewing laid the ball up and the ball RIMMED OUT... Ewing went down with his ship, and immediately my heart sank. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! I called my dad who was "watching the game with me", to talk it over. I was so shocked and inconsolable. Like I said earlier, my dad always told (i.e. and continues to tell) it to me "straight". He never believed Ewing would win the title with the Knicks.
Ultimately, the Pacers defeated the Knicks at the Game 7 at the Garden, but it wasn't the Conference Final. Both the Pacers have yet to win a NBA Championship (i.e. since 1973). If Ewing couldn't win it all, at least Reggie didn't win one either...
"8 points in 9 seconds," wow ~ that phrase still excites and nauseates me. Absolutely AMAZING. Here's a clip of the play(s) that I found on Youtube.
**** Do me a favor, if you liked this post or any other of the posts in this blog, please go to the upper right hand corner of this blog and vote for me for Blogger of the Year. It only takes a second. Thanks!
So I eased into the day today and eventually checked the headlines on ESPN.com and noticed that there is a story about Isiah Thomas posted. I haven't been a fan of Isiah Thomas for many, many years now for a multitude of reasons (e.g. allocation of minutes for a particular center in the Atlanta NBA All-Star game, destruction of the once highly respected New York Knicks, foolish bravado). However, since my morning started off good, I thought I'd read the article.
Evidently, Isiah is "itching" for a return to the Knicks. Fan-tas-tic... **** For those of you that don't know me that well, or can't hear my voice when you read my words, that's SARCASM. Are you even kidding me? He might be itching, but if he actually returns to the Knicks I might vomit or go into a rage like no other.
Honestly, how self-unaware can an individual be? How can he not realize what he did to that team? Does he not recall all the "Fire Isiah" posters and the rallies, petitions from New York Knicks season ticket holders requesting refunds? I will tell you right now, that I used to love the New York Knicks. I was a huge Patrick Ewing fan. In fact, the Georgetown Hoyas losing to Villanova Wildcats in 1985 still devastates me til this day. I rooted for Ewing, Oakley, Starks, Mason, and yes even Charles Smith (i.e. until he missed those bunny shots) for YEARS. Despite my dad telling me that the New York Knicks would never win me an NBA Championship, I stood by that team when Reggie Miller made the choking signs Jordan went "Jordan" on them.
Isiah's reign at Madison Square Garden is something I'd like to forget. In my quest to make it to every professional sporting venue for basketball, baseball, and football ~ would you believe I have yet to make it to a New York Knicks home game? I've seen the Big East semifinals and a New York Rangers game, but I have yet to watch my once beloved Knicks. I can't bring myself to do it, and New York is close enough where I can make a day trip out of it.
I really should check the Knicks' schedule now that Amare Stoudemire is on the squad and the season looks to have more promise.... **** OK, I just checked the schedule and it looks like the Washington Wizards are visiting the Knicks tonight ~ but there's no way that I can make it to the game in time, with the travel that would need to occur. Yeah, that's just how my life works sometimes ~ but I'm fine with it, since I'm not really a Wizards fan. I just need to check out John Wall eventually this year... It's a long season. I need to pace myself.
Back to Isiah and his delusions. Am I really supposed to believe that if Isiah was the president of the Knicks that LeBron James and maybe Dwyane Wade would be wearing New York Knicks jerseys?!?! Seriously?!?! Really?!?! Come on, now. It's no secret how I feel about LeBron taking his talents to South Beach, and I don't want to start fighting a bunch of New Yorkers who believe that the New York is the greatest place on Earth to play sports ~ but of all things that factored in free agency this year, I doubt that the lack of Isiah Thomas' leadership played a factor. I'd bet on it.
I don't know what kind of power Isiah Thomas has over James Dolan, but it's sickening. The fact that Dolan appears to have a short-term memory with regard to Isiah's performance and still tried to bring him on as a consultant is bewildering to say THE LEAST. It's almost like a co-dependent, abusive boyfriend-girlfriend relationship where both parties kick the crap out of each other, but never officially end things because they're too connected. It's CRAZY.
Even if Isiah has basketball merit, the man already cost the organization millions of dollars in a sexual harassment case. I mean, come on.... What else is left for him to do? Oh, that's right ~ he's the missing link in the Knicks recruitment of top NBA talent and the reason why the LeBron is LeGone...
I just scored my tickets to see Prince and his Welcome 2 America tour in New Jersey and in New York. I have 4 tickets to the Friday, December 17 show at the Izod Center and 1 ticket to the December 18 show at Madison Square Garden (aka MSG).
According to Rolling Stone, guests Maceo Parker, Cassandra Wilson, Janelle Monae, Sheila E., Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding, Sinbad, the New Power Generation and more will join Prince at the shows. I actually had Prince on the brain recently since I was just at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and remember his shows at 3121. I for one am very excited that he's back on tour.
Right now there are only a few dates that have been announced.
So unless you've been living under a rock and/or are using dial-up (i.e. do people still use that), you know that NBA free agency has arrived. Lucky (i.e. or unlucky) for me, I don't have to meet with Pat Riley or the New Jersey Nets, etc. this morning so I can get some other work done.
I received this picture this morning from a friend. Anyone else see any other good signage? If so, snap a pic and send it to thewirk@gmail.com. I'll add it to this post.
How is your city trying to land top NBA talent? Everyone knows that the marquee name up for grabs is LeBron James...
The NJ Nets are leveraging the relationship with Jay-Z, with their "the blueprint for greatness campaign".
Jay-Z and New Jersey Nets owner, Mikhail Prokhorov
Signage near Madison Square Garden (Photo courtesy of Pat Boyd)
Cleveland emphasizes "home".
Banner across the street from LeBron's secret meetings with the Nets and the Knicks.
